The Haunted Child

Rylan Flynn #4

by Dawn Merriman

A young mother is being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. And only I can free her.

I’m Rylan Flynn. I hunt for ghosts and restless spirits, and solve the mysteries that make them haunt the living.

The police found Andrea Evans with a bloody knife in her hands and her boyfriend dead at her feet. But she swears she’s innocent. And I can tell from the desperation in her eyes that she’s telling the truth.

I first met Andrea at Camp Lakewood when we were just kids. That summer was meant to be one to remember, with hikes in the forest and canoeing on the lake. Instead, it’s one I try to forget.

Because Camp Lakewood is the place I saw a ghost for the very first time—the ghost of a murdered girl.

My long-time crush Ford Pierce was also at camp that year. Today, he is the detective who arrested Andrea. Ford is certain she’s guilty and he warns me off. But if he’s wrong the real killer is still walking free.

As I begin to investigate, everything seems to lead me back to camp. How is Andrea’s case linked to the summer we shared, and to that other killing decades ago?

To free Andrea and reunite her with her child, I must return to Camp Lakewood. Even if that means coming face to face with the darkest and deadliest secrets of my past…

With jaw-dropping twists, mesmerizing suspense, and a touch of romance, the Rylan Flynn series is your new paranormal mystery obsession. Fans of Noelle W. Ihli, Heather Graham and Wendy Wang will be hooked from start to finish.

See why readers love Dawn Merriman’s Rylan Flynn

“OH MY GOD! I have found my new addiction! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!!… I was hooked… I am just buzzing from this!” Zooloo’s Book Diary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I. COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN!!!… I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat and needed to know what happened next. Very easy read, and my time while reading it flew by. Loved Rylan’s character and I can’t wait to see what happens next for her. Will be looking out for the next book in this series for sure!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.” washingtonlife.com ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Oh my word I could not put this down and read it in one day. It started off straight with action and didn’t let up until the very end. It was fast paced and had me hooked!! Please tell me the second one is due out soon!!” @love_life_literature ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This book sucked me in a wouldn't let go until I turned the last page! After which I immediately signed up for this author's newsletter to make sure I wouldn't miss any books in this series!… I loved the mystery, I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed, I loved the dynamics between Rylan and her family and best friend… I can't wait to continue this series and see what is going to happen next!” @daniereads87 ⭐⭐⭐⭐n

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Urban Fantasy

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2024

About the author

Dawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, "How Murder Saved My Life" in 2019.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another compelling, chilling, gripping, and enticing book in the Rylan Flynn mystery series! This book grabbed my attention from the very first page! The Haunted Child: A completely unputdownable paranormal mystery thriller proved to be a fast paced page turner which I enjoyed in one sitting! Rylan Flynn has a special gift of seeing ghosts/spirits and helps to solve the mystery of their deaths and helps them to move on. I have enjoyed this series from the very first book, The Spirit Girls, and have to say that the series keeps getting better and better.

Andrea Evans was found with a bloody knife in her hands and her boyfriend dead at her feet. She knows Rylan from their time together at Camp Lakewood when they were children. When Rylan meets with Andrea, Rylan knows that Andrea is innocent and sets out to find the real killer and help Andrea clear her name. During her investigation, readers are given glimpses back to the summer when Rylan met Andrea. I enjoyed being able to see Rylan when she was younger and away at summer camp. Fans of the series will be pleased to see Detective Ford Pierce in this book as well.

I enjoy the paranormal aspects of this book, the mystery of the present day and the events which occurred at camp, and the relationship between Rylan and Ford. I also enjoy how nothing in this book is overly graphic or scary. The Haunted Child: A completely unputdownable paranormal mystery thriller a nice paranormal mystery which keeps me on my toes while glued to the pages. This book, as with the other books in this series, was well written, well thought out, and had a nice amount of character development.

I loved doing my own super sleuthing along with Ford and Rylan and did not see the ending coming! I love it when that happens. I also loved the twists, the tension, the mounting dread, and suspense in this book. I didn’t want it to end!

Addictive, chilling, haunting and hard to put down! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you to Second Sky Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "The Haunted Child," Merriam immerses her readers in a small-town teeming with secrets, mysterious disappearances, and supernatural occurrences. As readers delve into this realm, they become entangled in a complex mystery that unfolds over decades.

"The Haunted Child" is the fourth installment in the Rylan Flynn series. Merriman continues to captivate her audience with another thrilling and fast-paced read. In summary, Rylan possesses a unique ability to perceive ghosts. She not only sees these apparitions but also aids in unraveling the mysteries of their demise.

In this installment, an individual from Rylan's past seeks assistance. Andrea Evans, accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend, maintains her innocence despite incriminating evidence. She turns to Rylan for help to clear her name. Convinced of her innocence, Rylan embarks on a quest to uncover the true culprit, disregarding cautions from Detective Ford Pierce.

Rylan's inquiry transports readers to the past, recounting the moment Rylan encountered Andrea at a summer camp. It also unveils the circumstances under which Rylan acquired the ability to see and communicate with ghosts.

I am thoroughly enjoying this series; it improves with each installment. It's fascinating to see the connections between past events and the present mystery. This mystery is such that accurately predicting the outcome is challenging. And the ending? The revelation was completely unexpected.

This was a fun read. I look forward to seeing what's next in store for Rylan
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Rylan Flynn Mystery series. The Haunted Child is an excellent addition to the series. I do have a fascination with the supernatural/paranormal, and this series just feeds it every time a book is released.


The story is told in the present and past. This gives the reader a fuller knowledge of characters and events. I always love a book when it's a dual timeline. Especially when those timelines are filled with ghosts and Rylan trying to solve mysteries past and present!


It is a fast-paced read that had me glued to the Kindle. I just couldn't put the book down. It is definitely a "just a one more chapter" book. Although I have to say the other books were exactly the same from this series. I even knew it would be this way from the minute I started reading. 


I love how it can be read as a standalone due to the way Dawn Merriman has cleverly woven the plot.. I feel like I know Rylan Flynn and was pleased to be returning to catch up with her life and the cases she investigates.


Another chilling, atmospheric, and gripping read with twists that create so much suspense, too. I'm now sad I have to wait for the next book, but that's life.
Thanks to Second Sky Books and Netgalley for my gifted book to write my honest review.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal is not my first choice genre, but in all honesty I have to say this series is fast becoming one of my favorite ones. 

Although I really enjoyed the books 2 and 3 I did not read the first one), I absolutely loved book 4. I like stories where the events taking place in the present are linked to the past and that is exactly what the author has given me. She alternates chapters describing the 'now' and the 'then'. This also allows us to get a glimpse in the recurring characters background.

The story is also proof that when something tragic happens, it does not have a tragic ending. On the contrary... (nope, not revealing more details ;) )

And when I thought there was nothing left to grab me by the throat, the author wrote the epilogue...

Marvelous book! 5 stars

Thank you

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ☆

I'm always up for a good ghost story and I have liked this series till now but we're at book 4 and there is no development or depth. It's somewhat lacking. I really need more.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Dawn has done it again, completely blown it out of the park. I love this series, like seriously love it.

What ended being such a happy ending, you are left chilled when you read that epilogue.

I loved going back into the past, to see the summer camp that Rylan went to with Mickey and to see the introduction of Marco, briefly, and other characters who float in and out of the series. Everyone has really known each other for a long time!!

I flew through this book sadly. Why sadly, well because it is always over so quickly. I settle down to read the book; before I know it, I have read the final page. March 2025 is when I have to wait! And that comment Keaton made about his mum and the thing in his room is causing Rylan a lot of problems, well things are getting exciting and will explode.

We also had a minor storyline floating through this book and it was such a fantastic link to the other books. What a beautiful and satisfying ending. So much peace in this book. In the end so much light.

And we also had an introduction to a haunted item. I am intrigued to see if there will be any more towards that. It was just a small tease.

Gah, I love this series. I know I have said this already but it is just fantastic. I just devour them way too quickly and I really want the next book now, and then the one after, the one after that and how about just all of them! Rylan is just badass, what she can do, is just awe-inspiring and every time it brings a tear to my eye. And it was no different to the final cross over here.

I want more!!

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea Evans is accused of murdering her ex. She writes to her childhood acquanitance Rylan who has had success at solving crimes in the past. Can Rylan get help from the victim's ghost to catch the real killer?
The Haunted Child is the 4th book in the Rylan Flynn series of supernatural murder mysteries.
Andrea has been through a messy break up but agrees to meet her ex at a storage unit (bad decision). When she arrives, she finds him dying and grabs the knife (really bad decision!) The police arrive (how did they get there so fast? obvious set up!) and find her standing over the body with the murder weapon so arrest her. Andrea remembers a girl from her past and writes to Rylan to ask for her help. This instantly puts Rylan at odds with police officer Ford Pierce, her longtime crush.
The book is written from the first person perspectives of Rylan and Ford. This allows us to see their parallel investigations and their emotional attachment to each other. There are also chapters from 12 years in the past, when Rylan saw ghosts for the first time (is she the haunted child of the title?)
It is a very quick read but this wasn't helped by the fact I couldn't put it down! I LOVE the supernatural elements to the plot, especially the crossing over light. As well as the murder mystery, there is also the return of a ghost from an earlier book and a new child's ghost who needs to find rest. Once again, there is a simmering romantic tension between Rylan and Flynn and I am keen for them to get together!
The Haunted Child is a gripping supernatural mystery thriller.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Haunted Child” is the 4th title in the Rylan Flynn series. And I must say that it exceeded my expectations in every way. This latest installment in the series did not disappoint, delivering another gripping and satisfying read that solidified my enthusiasm for Rylan Flynn's adventures.
Paranormal and mystery books are my absolute favorite, and this series is a standout - it's definitely one of the best I've read! Once I picked up the book it was impossible for me to put it down. Blending the thrill of a mystery with the intrigue of the supernatural and a hint of romance, this story has it all!
I enjoy stories that weave together past and present, and the author has skillfully delivered just that. One of the highlights of this book was uncovering more about Rylan’s history and by alternating chapters between the current timeline ('now') and the historical narrative ('then'), the author masterfully connects the dots between the two, revealing how the past continues to shape the present, adding depth and nuance to Rylan’s character.
The conclusion of this series stays true to the writer’s signature style of keeping readers on the edge of their seats. And just when you think the story has reached its resolution, a stunning epilogue throws in a shocking curveball that will leave you breathless. Consistent with the series' tradition, the book concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger that expertly teases the next book.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunted Child by new to me author D. Merriman is book 4 in the Rylan Flynn Mystery Series. For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
The previous books are The Spirit Girls, The Shadow Girls and The Whisper House.
An intriguing, suspenseful read that had me from start til the last page twisty and full of very unexpected turns, a pleasure to read.
Blurb: I’m Rylan Flynn. I hunt for ghosts and restless spirits, and solve the mysteries that make them haunt the living.
The police found Andrea Evans with a bloody knife but she swears she’s innocent. And I can tell that she’s telling the truth.
I first met Andrea at Camp Lakewood when we were just kids. That summer was meant to be one to remember, with hikes in the forest and canoeing on the lake. Instead, it’s one I try to forget.
My long-time crush Ford Pierce was also at camp that year. Today, he is the detective who arrested Andrea. Ford is certain she’s guilty and he warns me off. But if he’s wrong the real killer is still walking free.
As I begin to investigate, everything seems to lead me back to camp. How is Andrea’s case linked to the summer we shared, and to that other killing decades ago?
To free Andrea and reunite her with her child, I must return to Camp Lakewood. Even if that means coming face to face with the darkest and deadliest secrets of my past…

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

When Rylan is contacted by an old acquaintance, she finds herself trying to solve a very current murder.
This puts her at odds with Ford and his partner Tyler, who were the original arresting officers, but it also thrusts her back into the path of an old ghost she saw a decade before.

This book takes us on a little trip into the past, as we switch back and forth in time, to the very first murder victim Rylan deals with, and the various connections that stem from it.
Rylan is barely keeping her head above water, as she struggles with her hoarding tendencies, as well as her desperate need to help the ghosts that she sees.
Fortunately, she has a wonderful friend in Mickey, and an intriguing potential love interest in Ford, both of whom are on her side (and always have been).
There is also a little hint of trouble in her house, because Rylan’s plate is always full.

An enjoyable addition to this series (which may be a standalone mystery but is still part of an ongoing storyline, so yes you need to read the other books first), we actually get to see some resolutions to certain ghost hauntings we have encountered with Rylan before!
It’s a fast paced tale, with a delightfully flawed heroine, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of her story (which is now completed).
Recommended for paranormal mystery lovers.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this newest installment in the Rylan Flynn series!

We get dual timelines where we see Rylan attending a summer camp and having her first ghost sighting after her near-death experience. It gives us some more insight into Rylan's past, and how she's always been close to Mickey and her lifelong crush on Ford. In the present Rylan is helping someone she knew from that summer camp after she is arrested for the death of her boyfriend. The police think she's guilty, but Rylan believes her when she says she is innocent.

Right from the beginning I was sucked in, There are so many twists and turns! Andrea's case is a doozy, and I never knew where the story would go. We get some resolution with the little boy ghost at Mickey's house, which was emotional and heartwarming with how it ended. We FINALLY get some movement with the Ford situation which was well worth the wait! I simultaneously loved how it ended and was left wanting more. I hope we get many more books in this series!!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could define this series paranormal mystery or paranormal suspence but I can't find any label that reflect what I think.
There's romance, paranormal, but there's some moments which are pure and well done horror and some which are a bit disturbing (don't want to spoil anything, it's related to my experience).
I loved the characters' arc and loved how Rylan and her relationships evolved.
I appreciated how the author deals with the spiritual side but there's no judgement.
I think this the darker in the series and my favourite as things evolved, changed and there's some very interesting that could happen in the next books.
I read this one in one sitting and had fun even if I was on the edge.
Well done, gripping and entertaing
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to really love this series, so I was really, really excited to see this book. I started reading it as soon as I could, and I was glad to see Riley, Mickey, and Ford again. This one involves poor Riley and her past and past friend. I have a couple of mixed emotions about this one. On one hand, I was excited about one thing that happened (no spoilers) and not happy with the epilogue. LOL! Anyway, this gives us a little insight into Riley’s past, and I am getting impatient to find out more about Riley, Riley’s mom, her brother’s room, etc. Another well-written, engaging, and extremely interesting installment to the series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Second Sky for the chance to read The haunted child; the 4th title in the Rylan Flynn series by Dawn Merriman. This was a quick read that I could not put down. I have enjoyed the characters since the first book, and love that they continue to grow. This time Rylan tries to help Andrea, who she met at summer camp years ago. The book moves between the past and the present, and we get to find out more about Rylan, and Ford. As with the previous books the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger highlighting what the next book will be. The epilogue is a bit of a shocker!
If you enjoyed the tv series The ghost whisperer you will like this series!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read urban paranormal mystery book, fourth in the series. Rylan and Mickey are recovering from their last adventure, but that’s not going to stop Rylan jumping straight back in when asked to help. Fun quick read. I suggest reading the books in order. The stories are entertaining. Through the series there is a slow build up learning about Rylan Flynn, the main character. About her ability, her past, her idiosyncrasies, her friends. And slowly we learn that there is a big issue still to be resolved ‘hiding in the closet’. Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great paranormal crime thriller.
We get an insight into Rylan’s first experience with a spirit in flashback chapters when she was at Summer camp.
Rylan thinks about this time in her life as she is asked for help by someone who was there with her.
Andrea is in prison as the Police think she murdered her husband. Rylan believes she’s innocent when she visits her and agrees to help her.
Ford and Tyler ask her not to get involved but Rylan is determined to find the truth.
This is a great thriller with a paranormal twist.
Thanks to Second Sky for the opportunity to read this book.

[Rachel Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Dawn Merriman , and Second Sky for an ARC copy of "The Haunted Child".
The Haunted Child takes readers on a gripping journey where past and present collide in a mystery that’s impossible to put down. Rylan Flynn has a knack for solving the most enigmatic of cases, and is faced with her most personal challenge yet: proving the innocence of a young mother, Andrea Evans, who’s being framed for a crime she didn’t commit.

The Haunted Child is a fantastic read for fans of mystery, thrillers, and the paranormal.  I highly recommend adding it to your list of must-reads!

[Susan Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book of hauntings and non-believers! It's a fast-paced paranormal book which is very enjoyable to read. If you enjoy paranormal mysteries that aren't too graphic, then I think you will enjoy this. I appreciate how the past of Rylan blends in so well with the present so you understand Rylan and what makes her who she is. If you like paranormal mysteries that aren't too graphic, then I think you will enjoy this book. It has twists and turns that makes you want to keep reading and the best part is the surprise ending!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th book in series I am binge listening too. In this book Rylan is helping a woman in jail for murdering her ex. No one believes her but Rylan. We also learn of Rylan's first ghost experience at camp when she was 14. It makes her brother seem like a jerk even when they were younger. The twist at the end SPOILER AHEAD, while Andrea was framed by her own mother so she could have full custody of her grandchild. Andrea did kill her father years ago by pushing down the ladder he was on while working on the house. Also we are learning more about the evil trapped in her brother's old bedroom.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a great continuation of this series! I love Rylan and Ford and was so happy to see them again. I loved how there were multiple mysteries to be solved in this book and how we got flashbacks to Rylan’s youth when she first stared to see ghosts. I loved her tenacity and how she helped so many ghosts in this book. I can’t wait to find out what comes next as this one had a great cliffhanger!

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for this eCopy to review

The Haunted Child was another great instalment in the Rylan Flynn series, fast paced and gripping I stayed up late to finish this one. The characters of Rylan and Ford are more developed and their relationship finally deepens (yes, I have been hoping for this since book 1!). We also learn a bit more about Rylan's backstory deepening her character. The ending is truly creepy and not what I saw coming.

I cannot wait for book 5

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This sounded like a great read but unfortunately after reading 30% of the book I had to give up. Riley goes to visit the accused in prison, hears her story and just believes her (as do everyone else she speaks to afterwards about it) without any explanation why. It felt like the author was trying to hit plot points as quick as possible without really developing things enough before moving on. I really tried to read this but it felt basic and lacked substance.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this next story, The Haunted Child part was definitely the best part. I also enjoyed the look into Rylan's past and her developing relationship with Ford. Rylan still annoys me at times, she is so brave in other situations but can't deal with her own problems with her house, mom, or brother, even through her dad would be understanding, That part is moving a little to slowly for me and needs to pick up the pace.

[Shelleen Toland · Rating 4 out of 5]

the 4th book in this series and still keeping my interest.
Andrea Evans is found at her dead boyfriend's body with the knife in her hand. She swears she is innocent and asks Rylan to help her.
Rylan can see and talk to spirits and help them cross over and she has been known to help the local police. Rylan also has a crush on the cop, Ford Pierce.
This series reminds me of the TV show the Ghost Whisperer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC to review.
#thehauntedchild #netgalley

[June A · Rating 5 out of 5]

favorite of the series

This one exceeds my expectations. Very fast moving. Couldn’t put it down. Rylan doesn’t give up no matter how others may not believe her. More believe her now. This book covered and linked multiple murders and the killers were a surprise. I also highly recommend the audio. The voice for Rylan is perfect and you can just picture her. I only wish I could see ghosts. Read them all.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only I could start a series on the fourth book! But, I DO have the others ready to go on my Kindle.

The book did easily read as a standalone, but if you're like me and have a fomo then you'll go back to the beginning too.

I loved the whole concept of the story, it had me addicted immediately. I love anything paranormal and Rylan was such a great character to emotionally invest in, and I can't wait to catch up with her adventures again.

[Jennifer A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

so happy to read a new Rylan adventure

I really loved this book and read it quickly. It was fun getting back into Rylan’s life and how she falls into adventures (or misadventures as it may be). I enjoyed learning more about the little boy who haunts Mickey & Marco’s house. The ending was still a surprise! Great writing & characters!!! I love all of Dawn Merriman’s books❣️💀

[Chris Fracisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another twisted mystery

I love this series and look forward to reading further and seeing what the future holds for Rylan and Ford. There are so many little mysteries in the background yet to uncover as well that are just as interesting as the main storylines of each book in the series with things coming out a little at a time.

[Gale Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is simply amazing, and I enjoyed the fact that so many of these ghosts crossed over in this one. It was like several stories written into one and they all kind of came together at the same time. I really like this character the fact that she’s a hoarder is kind of odd, but hopefully she’ll get help with that. The romance is starting to pick up so that’s good too.